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Hi everyone,

I'm new here and wanted to introduce myself. My son Peyton was diagnosed

with SNHL almost 4 years ago. His loss is in both ears at 80db. Newborn

screening wasn't done when he was born so he wasn't diagnosed till almost 2

years old. I won't go into all the problems we had with getting someone to

listen to us when we said he couldn't hear, because it would make your head

spin. Finally he was diagnosed and was aided with digital aids. We immediately

started AVT.

He is currently mainstreamed in kindergarten in the a.m. and HI classes in

p.m. I too have had to fight for services for him but I won every time. It truly

does pay to be informed and know your child's rights. Our last IEP was done in

record time ( 2 1/2 hours) for us. IN fact was the first time it was even signed

and completed at original meeting.

Peyton is an excellent listener due to AVT. Unfortunately his speech

/understanding haven't progressed as we would have hoped for. He was evaluated

for a CI a couple weeks ago. He was approved and now we are waiting on insurance

approval. I wanted to get him a CI 3 years ago but my hubby wasn't very

supportive of it. He didn't like the idea ( of course he knew nothing about

it). Finally when school started and he could see first hand how delayed he was

he agreed with me. I think we had such hope because his aided test where always

20-25 db. Unfortunately, hearing a sound and understanding speech are 2 very

different things.

I have been reading everything I can about CI's. It was like starting all

over again with his hearing loss. Joining this list and one other has made a

world of difference to me. I feel like we are on the right path again.

I would like to address something that has been discussed in last few days.

I understand the reservations that some have had with there child's hearing

aids. I too was worried how they would look. I can tell you honestly at first I

didn't like the appearance of them. They looked kinda odd to me. My older

children did too. I think its just the fact that we don't want our kids to be

different. After a week or so it just wasn't a big deal. He has always loved his

(ears) as we call them. To be honest I don't even notice them at all anymore.

They are just a part of him and he looks funny without them on. Like my daughter

does when she takes her glasses off.

Did anyone else have the same reservations about getting a Ci as I do? Once

we knew he was approved I wasn't so sure I wanted to do it. In fact I would

change my mind every hour or so. I have now come to terms that it is the best

thing for him and wish the ins. approval would go faster. I also have started a

list of things to be changed on his IEP after his surgery. Are there any general

things that are must haves? I'm hoping all will be done by the first of the year

and want to be prepared.

I also forgot to tell everyone my name at beginning. I am also a . I

noticed another on the list. I live in Michigan and have 3 other children all

hearing. Thanks to all for allowing me to join this list. I have learned a

couple things about hearing loss that I didn't know, and many new things about

CI's.